Ambulatory anesthesia for patients with sleep apnea

The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is increasing, and a significant number of patients with OSA presenting for ambulatory surgeries are undiagnosed. It is well known that patients with OSA have increased postoperative complications. The suitability of ambulatory surgery in patients with OSA remains controversial, and the evidence regarding the safety of OSA patients for ambulatory surgery is inadequate. Anesthesiologists play an important role in identifying, evaluating, and optimizing the OSA patient. Preoperative screening and careful selection of patients for ambulatory surgery is the key step during the perioperative management of OSA patients. With proper screening and clinical algorithm-based management, patients with OSA may be treated safely as ambulatory surgical patients.